Photo: Aereform
Photo: BSH Hišni aparati Photo: Cetis
Printed on the recycled paper Viprint, 80 g, by VIPAP VIDEM KRŠKO, d. d.
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Discover Slovenia, November 2017 Best innovators of 2017Danfoss Trata
NovoCon – Smart Hydronic Actuator for HVAC Systems
The NovoCon smart hydronic drive actuator for HVAC systems provides a solution that can deliver large savings in poorly dimensioned or implemented heating and cooling systems in which energy consumption is up to 50% more than is necessary. NovoCon’s advantage lies in its greater precision and flexibility in covering different HVAC applica-tions, in its allowing quick incorporation of additional sensors, new alarm funcapplica-tions, as well as in the possible integration of certain HVAC regulator functions. All these reduce investment in infrastructure as well as deliver greater energy savings.
Innovators: Lars Munch, Igor Azinovič, Andraž Kontarček, Primož Gorjup, John Kelly, Sean Boden
Elan
Foldable Touring Skis Elan Ibex Tactix & Foldable Touring Skis for Special Forces When carried on a backpack, long classic touring skis make walking difficult, espe-cially when traversing dwarf pine plantations or attempting to climb through difficult terrain. In order to improve the mobility and safety of extreme tour skiers and alpine military units, ski maker Elan has developed functional foldable back-country skis for the Slovene army. Known as the Elan Ibex Tactix, these skis allow easier transport and greater agility, and are a novelty on the global market. These foldable skis, which will be available for civilian use from 2018 onwards, provide users with a supreme quality skiing experience, enabling everything from descent from a helicopter to easy navigation through demanding terrain.
Innovators: Vinko Avguštin, Andrej Hrovat
ETI Izlake
RC eNeM Novi Materiali
Technological Developments in the Manufacture and Processing of Thermostatic Elements
The integration of innovative high technology manufacturing has resulted in major improvements in the high-capacity manufacture of thermostats. This has provided ETI with a huge advantage over its competition that will enable the company to become a leading manufacturer of thermostat elements.
Innovators: Gregor Ceglar, Jure Raspotnik, Damjan Strmljan, Samo Urbanija, Maja Macerl, Franci Ocepek, Ines Bantan, Simon Lebar, Joži Prašnikar, Peter Bregar
Gorenje
New Generation of Dishwashers SmartFlex
The new generation of SmartFlex dishwashers excel in their extremely low energy consumption (10% below the A +++ grade energy efficiency threshold). The SmartFlex DW30’s impressive stainless steel interior, one of the largest on the market, can accom-modate 16 place settings at a time, and even 35 cm diameter plates. Equipped with a special water tank, that reduces water consumption to only 6.9 litres per cycle, the DW30 is also super silent, operating at a mere 41 dB.
Acclaimed in independent professional magazines and guaranteeing perfect washing results, the new SmartFlex range also excels in relation to the unique automatic door opening and optical signal display (both patent pending), low consumption water tank replete with special filter systems, and special effect exterior LED light.
Such innovations further strengthen Gorenje’s position in demanding global markets.
Innovators: Mats Lilja, Anders Sahlen, Thomas Persson, Aleš Osredkar, Jernej Heindl, Jana Kovač, Ksenija Sovič, Alen Kešetović, Peter Sevčnikar, Stanko Kanduti, Damjan Novak, Borut Keržič, Dejan Kokol
Photo: Danfoss Trata Photo: Elan
Photo: ETI Photo: Gorenje Printed on the recycled paper Viprint, 80 g, by VIPAP VIDEM KRŠKO, d. d.
Discover Slovenia, November 2017
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Best innovators of 2017
Iskraemeco
Smart Electricity Meter Platform
With an innovative platform approach, this next generation smart meter enables the seamless integration of smart metering functions in the context of the smart grid. The platform complies with EU functional requirements for smart meters and facilitates easy and cost-effective adaptation to various national market requirements. It also provides a solution to the key challenges faced by electricity distributors who want to transition to the smart grid.
Innovators: Tomaž Dostal, Miha Ušeničnik, Vjekoslav Delimar, Janez Zavašnik, Petar Štimac, Tibor Rafa, Uroš Jerman, Luka Šparovec, Gregor Rodič, Uroš Bizjak, Tomaž Peterman, Jure Arh, Ludvik Kumin, Tomaž Brejc, Klemen Omahen, Boštjan Dolžan, Simon Boštar, Simon Balanč, Primož Košir
KRKA Novo mesto
Process Optimisation of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Candesartan Cilexetil Production
Krka has developed a new process for manufacturing the prodrug Candesartan Cilexetil, which it has now introduced into industrial scale production. The innovative procedure is accomplished using primary input ingredients, namely, substances which are cheaper and easier to obtain than those used in the erstwhile process.
This new procedure is some 30% more efficient, and Krka has replaced the ecologi-cally problematic tributyltin compounds with ecologiecologi-cally more acceptable ones. The introduction of regenerated solvents in this process also confirms that environmental protection remains an important factor in Krka’s business strategy.
Innovators: Jerneja Böhm, Miro Dobravc, David Kralj, PhD, Dušan Krašovec, Tadej Stropnik, Silvo Zupančič, PhD
Ledinek Engineering
System of Active Floatational Planing with Continuous Symetrical Distribution of Left and Right Decrease
Using innovative floating vertical spindle technology, which actively assists integrated motor-drive machining, Ledinek Engineering has delimited one of the most exacting processes of high performance industrial planing. State of the art software calculates and compensates vertical movement and curves in the board in real-time. The highly responsive data-driven process also ensures constant centring and gauging of the thick-ness of the board, thus the actual feed speed through the planer is optimised.
Through the application of computer technology, the Stratoplan 4VA planer avoids any jamming or breaking of the workpiece, and ensures cut-offs are kept to a minimum. Most significantly, the Stratoplan 4VA has some three time the capacity of a conventional machine planer.
Innovators: Viljem Ladinek, Stanislav Vidovič, Janez Klemenčič (Simat - Janez Klemenčič)
Photo: Iskraemeco Photo: Krka
Photo: Ledinek Engineering
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Discover Slovenia, November 2017 Best innovators of 2017Lek farmacevtska družba, Razvojni center Slovenija Novel Children Friendly Form of Antibiotic
The treatment of bacterial infections in children is challenging. Swallowing large tablets can be difficult, while liquid suspensions have their shortcomings – they needs to be kept in a fridge and accurate dosing is not easy. Lek has thus been endeavouring to develop a more suitable pharmaceutical form.
With a thirty-year tradition in producing one of the most popular medicaments in the treatment of bacterial infection, Lek’s development of this more child-suitable form drug delivery began in 2012. Taking an innovative approach, Lek’s development of a fast dissolving tablet containing Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid has today succeeded in doing away with all the shortcomings of liquid suspensions. The new tablet is simple to administer, allows precise dosing, has a better taste and is easier to store as it does not need to be refrigerated.
Innovators: Rok Starič, Petra Perhavec, Dejan Krajcar, Marko Oblak, PhD, Mateja Šikovec, PhD, Urška Korošec, Lidija Pušnik Verdnik
SIJ Acroni
Razvojni center Jesenice Fly with SINOXX 4542 Steel
With this award-winning innovation, SIJ Acroni has established the foundations for incorporating a new group of stainless steels into the company’s production programme. Together with austenite, ferrite and martensite stainless steels, SIJ Acroni is henceforth able to manufacture precipitation hardened steels intended for technolog-ical applications in the most demanding environments.
Large dimension SINOXX 4542 plates can also be provided final heat treatment, signifi-cantly reducing the time and production costs, thus SIJ Acroni’s customers also benefit from the added value of this intermediate product.
SIJ Acroni is further fortifying its position as a niche manufacturer of supreme quality steel and has positioned itself as a market leader in the provision of specialist steels for the paper and chemical industries, as well as manufacturers of specialist machine parts for the aircraft industry.
Innovators: Boštjan Bradaškja, PhD, Boštjan Pirnar, MSc, Matevž Fazarinc, PhD, Grega Klančnik, PhD, Stanislav Jakelj, Viktorija Marušič, MSc, Milan Klinar, MSc, Robert Robič, Anton Košir, MSc, Anton Jaklič, PhD, Primož Jan, Borut Lešnik
Knez David InDavidual, Zagorje ob Savi
QuickShoeLace – One Hand Tying Elastic Shoelace with a Ring
QuickShoeLace is an elastic lace that doesn’t need to be tied: you just stretch it and clip it. At one end of the lace is a ring that you just clip onto a metal pivot. All the parts are replaceable and can be disassembled very quickly.
The advantage of this lace is that it can be clipped with just one hand. It is suitable for all generations, as well as those with disabilities or who believe tying laces is a waste of time.
The QuickShoeLace is also a fashion accessory, and personalized laces can be made to order.
Innovator: David Knez